Fort Sill, Ok

• Founded in 1869: Fort Sill was established by Major General Philip H. Sheridan during the Indian Wars, originally to stop raiding by Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache tribes in the region. • Namesake: The fort is named after Brigadier General Joshua W. Sill, a Union officer who was killed during the Battle of Stones River in the American Civil War. • Geronimo's Imprisonment: The famous Apache leader Geronimo spent his final years as a prisoner at Fort Sill until his death in 1909. He is buried at the fort's Apache Prisoner of War Cemetery. • Home of the Field Artillery: Fort Sill has been the home of the U.S. Army Field Artillery School since 1911, earning it the nickname "The Fires Center of Excellence." • World War II Training Ground: During World War II, Fort Sill trained more than 1.2 million soldiers, including the famed 45th Infantry Division, known as the “Thunderbirds.” • Buffalo Soldiers: The fort was home to the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry, one of the first African American regiments in the U.S. Army. • Missile Testing: Fort Sill played a key role during the Cold War in the development and testing of early U.S. missile systems, including the Honest John rocket and Pershing missiles. • National Historic Landmark: In 1960, Fort Sill was declared a National Historic Landmark for its significance in military and Native American history. • Firsts for Women: In 1978, Fort Sill became the first Army post to train both male and female soldiers together when the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course integrated women. • Modern Defense Hub: Today, Fort Sill remains an essential center for training in air defense artillery, hosting the Army’s Air Defense Artillery School and advanced missile defense systems.